Association Croquet: 2025 courses
Become a Croquet England Club-Level Coach
Saturday-Sunday 26-27 April 2025
This two-day course, led by the author of Complete Croquet, is for both AC and GC players aiming to develop their coaching skills and seeking Croquet England accreditation to coach within their own club. Coaches also find that coaching others can help them significantly develop their own game. To complete their qualification candidates go on to coach five sessions at their own club. You are expected to have a basic working knowledge of the Laws of AC or the Rules of GC. A subsidy of £25 per person is available for Croquet England subscribers: please discuss with the Course Secretary. Some Federations may also offer further support.
Cost: £75. Course leader: James Hawkins
Winning ways (1) to a single figure handicap
Tuesday 29 April 2025
One of two complementary one-day courses for intermediate-level AC players (handicaps 10-16) who have enjoyed success and now aspire to push their handicap down into single figures. The days can be booked separately or, for the full experience, together. The two days as a whole consolidate the fundamentals of the game with a practical romp through everything that really matters, whilst offering a smorgasbord of tips and tricks to give you the competitive edge you need. Topics over the two days include break management (keep it going and get back on track when things start going wrong), play around the hoops (angled and difficult hoops, getting in front from impossible positions, hampered continuation), openings (what they are about and how to take advantage), leaves (pros and cons of standard leaves and how to make them reliably), 3-ball endings, practice routines, an introduction to peeling, and more! Topics will be distributed between Day 1 and Day 2 as the course leader determines. After attending both days you will know how to play breaks better, get yourself out of trouble, make planned leaves reliably and make better tactical decisions.
Cost: £40 – special price £37.50 if booked with Winning Ways (2), 30 April. Course leader: Dave Kibble
Winning ways (2) to a single figure handicap
Wednesday 30 April 2025
This is the second of two complementary one-day courses for intermediate-level AC players (handicaps 10-16) looking to play breaks better, get out of trouble, make planned leaves reliably and make better tactical decisions. Details above.
Cost: £40 – special price £37.50 if booked with Winning Ways (1), 29 April. Course leader: Dave Kibble
Moving on in Advanced AC
Tuesday 6 May 2025
This one-day course is for players with AC handicaps of 5-12 who may have some experience of Advanced Rules play and are now ready to consolidate their understanding and develop their game. It is being planned to include opening moves in Advanced Rules, revision and practice of standard first-break and second-break leaves, practice in accuracy of several shots central to successful Advanced play, digging balls out of corners, successful 4-ball break routineswith analysis of breakdown points, and discussion of specific match situations. As much time as possible will be on the lawn with plenty of opportunity for consolidating new learning through practice and individual guidance.
Cost: £40. Course leader: Mary Knapp
Back to Basics
Wednesday 7 May 2025
Getting the basics right can make all the difference to your game. This practical one-day course is designed to help you understand the principles of a good stance and grip, how to play roquets or clearing shots, and how exactly to master hoop running. AC and GC players will then be coached separately in shots specific to each game. The day will be largely outdoors and will offer plenty of opportunity to put principles into practice. The day is for both AC and GC players and is aimed primarily at players with handicaps AC 12+ and GC 10+. Get your technique right and start being a winner!
Cost: £. Course l40eaders: Alan Locket and Penny Clark
Short Croquet tactics
Wednesday 14 May 2025
This one-day course is for AC and Short Croquet players with handicaps in the SC 4-8 or AC 12-20 range. After a brief clarification of the laws specifix to SC, the day will look in detail at a range of opening moves and responses to them; rules of thumb for making best use of bisques; tactics when playing against players with mandatory peels; and specific Short Croquet tactics including exploiting and avoiding wiring lifts and 4-ball breaks with no pivot. The day will include detailed explanations with examples, practice on the lawn, and a good range of recommended exercises for later consolidation and practice.
Cost: £40. Course leader: Stephen Custance-Baker
Learn Short Croquet in one day
Tuesday 3 June 2025
This one-day course is open to players of both codes, but should appeal particularly to GC players who want their skills to give them a head start in Association Croquet. It is also for coaches looking for a straightforward way of introducing this accessible version of AC into their own clubs. The day covers distinctive aspects of the AC game including croquet shots and building a break; it offers a full introduction to Association Croquet and aims to help participants play with understanding and pleasure. The day will include guidance on how the skills of AC can be easily learned, a supported game, and plenty of opportunity for individual help and guidance.
Cost: £40. Course leader: John Harris
